Although there are other ways to do it (such as patio planter pockets), the easiest way to incorporate plants into a deck or patio setting is to use container gardens. Because containers are portable, Northerners can easily grow tropical flowers in them during the summertime, then simply move them indoors when Jack Frost beckons. But you can grow almost anything in a container. The idea of using plants on your patio can even help you avoid the costly project of removing an old patio and constructing a new one, as plants are capable of hiding many an eyesore. Regarding safety, if you’re allergic to bee stings, avoid patio landscaping geared to flowers, because they’re bee magnets. Stick instead to foliage plants such as those with variegated leaves.
If you want a shade tree for your patio, choose a tree that will be of intermediate height at maturity.Avoid installing trees with aggressive root systems.Choose trees that are relatively clean to reduce maintenance.
Japanese maples give you good options for trees of intermediate height. Some plants are better/worse than others for growing around septic tanks based on the nature of their root systems. These same plants are good/bad choices for patio landscaping. Then there’s the issue of whether or not a tree is messy. Eastern white pines are one of the messiest trees: They get pine pitch all over everything. By contrast, Sunburst honey locust is relatively mess-free.
Fences Informal hedges Formal hedges
Non-gardeners may prefer to erect fences to gain privacy, while gardeners often achieve it instead through the use of plant material. A row of arborvitae bushes used to help screen out unwanted attention from the neighboring house is a good example of an informal hedge.
Boxwood Holly Barberry
Arbors make for easier DIY projects. Gardeners will love growing flowering vines on their arbors. Sure, the gardening snobs may look down on annuals such as impatiens as being strictly for amateurs. But these are the same people who pontificate about how some plants are “overused,” how some plants have colors too garish to use, etc. Always remember: this is your outdoor space to enjoy. You should be making your own aesthetic decisions since you know your own tastes better than the know-it-alls do. In-ground swimming pools are also expensive, as are a couple of other patio features popular with the well-to-do:
Outdoor kitchensOutdoor fireplaces
Choices for fountains include:
Ceramic fountains Granite fountains Clay pot fountains
Conversely, plant selections that might go well with a brick patio (depending on the color of the bricks in question) include:
Castor bean (which is a poisonous plant, so keep safety in mind) Chocolate Drop sedum A dark-leaved ninebark
